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Institutional Cook Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Umd

Cook

College Park, MD

$45K - $54K/yr

Three years in commercial or institutional cooking. OTHER: REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of food preparation methods. Thorough knowledge of and skill in applying the ...

University of Maryland

Cook

College Park, MD · On-site

$45K - $54K/yr

Three years in commercial or institutional cooking. OTHER: REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of food preparation methods. Thorough knowledge of and skill in applying the ...

KINDERCARE

Cook at Waldorf KinderCare

Waldorf, MD

$15.95 - $19.85/hr

At least one year of institutional cooking -- food ordering experience highly desirable * Two or more years working with children, highly desirable * Must be physically able to use the computer with ...

Johns Hopkins Healthcare

COOK

Columbia, MD · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Or, experience cooking in an institutional setting Hours/Other Information: * Full-time, Rotating Shift (40 hrs per week) * Rotating weekend & holiday work required Salary Range: Minimum 21.79/hour ...

Johns Hopkins Health System

COOK

Columbia, MD · On-site

$14 - $18.50/hr

Or, experience cooking in an institutional setting Hours/Other Information: * Full-time, Rotating Shift (40 hrs per week) * Rotating weekend & holiday work required Salary Range: Minimum 21.79/hour ...

Lighthouse Senior Living

Cook

Ellicott City, MD · On-site

$20/hr

Previous cooking experience preferred; experience in assisted living, senior care, healthcare, or institutional food service is a plus. * Knowledge of basic food preparation and safe food-handling ...

VSL Employee Co LLC

Cook - Full Time

Woodbridge, VA

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Have two years of experience in institutional or full-service restaurant cooking * Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing * Maintain food handlers ...

Vitality Senior Living

Cook - Full Time

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Have two years of experience in institutional or full-service restaurant cooking * Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing * Maintain food handlers ...

Hessler Heights

Be Seen First

Cook (Full-Time + Benefits)

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

The successful candidate for this position must be 18 years of age and have two years' experience in institutional or full service restaurant cooking. It is preferred that this individual have ...

gategroup

First Cook - $22.00/hr

Dulles, VA

$22/hr

At least 2 years of experience cooking in a high volume institutional catering environment is preferred * Experience with maintaining temperature logs for all food items prepared. * Recipe conversion ...

Gategroup

First Cook - $22.00/hr

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$22/hr

At least 2 years of experience cooking in a high volume institutional catering environment is preferred * Experience with maintaining temperature logs for all food items prepared. * Recipe conversion ...

Gategroup

First Cook - $22.00/hr

Chantilly, VA

$22/hr

At least 2 years of experience cooking in a high volume institutional catering environment is preferred * Experience with maintaining temperature logs for all food items prepared. * Recipe conversion ...

SOME, Inc.

Food Service Worker (Cook)

Washington, DC

$18.40 - $19.49/hr

The Cook is one of the most important positions at SOME, Inc. because serving meals is at the heart ... Culinary Arts Degree; 3 + yrs. institutional food service or restaurant experience; Driver ...

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All JobsInstitutional Cook JobsInstitutional Cook Jobs in Washington

Institutional Cook information

What is an institutional cook?

Institutional cooks are culinary professionals who prepare large quantities of meals in settings such as schools, hospitals, prisons, nursing homes, and other institutions. Their responsibilities include planning menus, following specific dietary guidelines, ensuring food safety, and working as part of a team to prepare and serve food efficiently. Unlike restaurant cooks, institutional cooks often follow strict regulations and standardized recipes to meet the nutritional and safety needs of large groups.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an institutional cook?

To thrive as an Institutional Cook, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and experience in large-scale meal preparation, often supported by a food handler’s permit or related certification. Familiarity with industrial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and standardized recipes is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and time management are valuable soft skills that set exceptional cooks apart. These abilities ensure efficient food service, compliance with regulations, and consistent meal quality in institutional settings.

What are some common challenges institutional cooks face when preparing meals for large groups, and how can they be addressed?

Institutional cooks often encounter challenges such as managing strict dietary requirements, ensuring food safety, and preparing meals in large quantities while maintaining quality and consistency. To address these issues, cooks must follow standardized recipes, stay organized, and work closely with nutritionists or dietitians. Effective communication and teamwork with kitchen staff are essential to coordinate tasks and meet tight meal schedules.

What is the difference between Institutional Cook vs Cafeteria Worker?

AspectInstitutional CookCafeteria Worker
CredentialsFood safety certification, culinary skillsBasic food handling, safety training
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, prisonsSchool cafeterias, institutional dining halls
Employer & IndustryEducational, healthcare, correctional facilitiesEducational institutions, corporate cafeterias

Institutional Cooks typically have culinary training and handle food preparation in large-scale settings, while Cafeteria Workers focus on serving and maintaining food stations. Both roles work in institutional environments but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Institutional Cook jobs in Washington?

For Institutional Cook jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Institutional Cook jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Institutional Cook jobs in Washington are:

Institutional Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Institutional Cook job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Cook

Umd

College Park, MD

$45K - $54K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Description Summary & Additional Information
Organization's Summary Statement:

Under general supervision, functions as a cook preparing menu items according to standard recipes, ensuring quantity and quality standards are maintained.

Primary Duties:

  • Oversees food preparation activities by determining work priorities, assigning work and ensuring safe and sanitary conditions are maintained.

  • Prepares, seasons, cooks, fries and bakes food according to standard recipes, determining necessary production amounts; revises and/or alters daily menu/recipes if necessary.

  • Prepares food items for serving; carves portions of meat, fish and/or fowl for individual servings.

  • Measures, weighs and combines ingredients for quantity preparation of meats, vegetables, salads and beverages in accordance with established recipes; modifies recipes and/or production amounts.

  • Operates a variety of manual and/or automated kitchen equipment such as ovens, grills, toasters, fryers, mixers etc.

  • Determines food quantities, prepares estimates of time, labor and materials to be used on assigned tasks.

  • Responsible for assuring optimal quality of food throughout preparation and service.

  • Protects equipment, utensils, food and other items of inventory from contamination, spoilage and pilferage.

  • Provides guidance and training to subordinate personnel.

Preferences:

  • Formal culinary training.

  • ServSafe Certification and/or Prince Georges County, Maryland Food Service Manager Certification.

  • Experience working in a high-volume production kitchen utilizing the brigade system.

Licenses/ Certifications:

ServSafe Certification and/or Prince Georges County, Maryland Food Service Manager Certification Preferred.

Physical Demands:

This is an essential position and incumbent must report to work when the campus is closed due to weather or other emergency situations. Must be able to work a variable schedule including weekends, nights, evenings, and holidays. Annual leave will not be granted for specific periods including the weeks preceding and right after the start of each semester, Maryland Day, Family Weekend or special events. Must have the manual dexterity to operate equipment with or without accommodation and to lift up to 15 pounds regularly. The University of Maryland is a non-smoking, drug-free, weapon-free campus.
Must be able to lift 40 pounds on a regular basis and up to 75 pounds occasionally and stand, walk and work on feet for long periods of time. Must be able to work in extreme weather, humidity and temperature conditions including regularly working between 40 degrees and 90 degrees for extended periods and, from 15 below zero degrees to 40 degrees and from 90 degrees to 110 degrees for short periods of time.

Required Application Materials:Application

Best Consideration Date:N/A

Posting Close Date: August 26, 2026

Open Until Filled:No

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION:

EXPERIENCE: Three years in commercial or institutional cooking.

OTHER:

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of food preparation methods. Thorough knowledge of and skill in applying the procedures and standards of quality and quantity food selection, food preservation, meal service and portion control. General knowledge of principles and practices of sanitation and safety in cooking areas. Skill in proper food handling and preparation; in garnishing pans of food for service; in the operation of food preparation equipment and dishwashers. Ability to read and write; to follow and adjust recipes; to provide guidance to food service personnel; to perform basic arithmetic computations; to prepare food using assigned utensils, appliances and equipment; to work in irritating environments and adverse temperature conditions; ability to lift, transport and stock food service supplies and materials.

OTHER:

Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Job RisksNot Applicable to This PositionDepartmentVPSA-DS-Yahentamitsi DinerWorker Sub-Type Staff Contractual (C2) (Fixed Term)Salary Range$45,375.00 - $54,450.00
Benefits Summary

For more information on Staff Contractual C2 benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground checkinformation. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Title IX Non-Discrimination NoticeResources

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